What is defined as a "voluntary" lien?

A "voluntary" lien is one that is placed on a property with the consent of the property owner. A mortgage is a prime example of this type of lien, as it involves the property owner agreeing to allow the lender to place a lien on their property as security for the loan they are receiving. This agreement is often formalized through documents signed by both parties, detailing the terms of the loan and the property being used as collateral.

Voluntary liens are fundamentally different from involuntary liens, which are imposed without the owner's consent, such as tax liens, judgment liens, or child support liens. These other types of liens arise from legal actions or financial obligations that the owner may have failed to meet, rather than from an agreement or contractual obligation that the owner willingly entered into. The key characteristic that distinguishes a voluntary lien is the property owner's consent, which is clearly illustrated in the case of a mortgage.